St. Laurent Imbert

Verified historical facts show that Saint Teresa of Avila was born Teresa Sánchez de Cepeda y Ahumada in Ávila, Spain, on March 28, 1515. Documented life events include her early education at a convent, her entrance into the Carmelite Order in 1536, and her founding of the Discalced Carmelite Order in 1562. Her religious work focused on reforming the Carmelite order, emphasizing a stricter adherence to the rule of Saint Albert, and establishing new convents based on her reformed ideals. She also wrote extensively on spiritual matters, her most famous works being her autobiography and Interior Castle. She faced significant opposition to her reforms but persevered with the support of powerful allies. Teresa actively worked to establish new convents throughout Spain, including those in Alba de Tormes and Segovia. She died in Alba de Tormes on October 4, 1582. The process for her canonization began relatively soon after her death. She was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1970 by Pope Paul VI, and she was canonized as a saint by Pope Gregory XV in 1622. Her legacy continues to inspire Catholic spirituality and reform movements.